The Curse of Strictly: Five couples who fell victim

The glittering costumes, the music and of course the dancing
all make Strictly one of the most popular BBC shows of all time.

But there’s another reason we all love to tune in on a
Saturday night: the rumours that swirl around the love lives of the contestants and their professional dance partners.

BRENDAN COLE & NATASHA KAPLINSKY (2004)

The first ever so-called 'victims' of the Strictly 'curse' were Brendan Cole and newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky. During the first ever series, back in 2004, there were rumours that the pair had begun an affair while partnered during the show. The both denied the claims, but within weeks of the show ending, Cole had split up with his fiancé Camilla, who was also a dancer on the show.

MATT DI ANGELO AND FLAVIA CACACE (2007)

In 2007, rumours surfaced that Matt and professional dancer Flavia, who was then in a relationship with another show dancer, Vincent Stone, had started a relationship. They denied an affair, but when Cacace split from her partner some time after the show, she began dating Di Angelo. But she later went on to marry Jimi Mistry, who she was paired with three years later on the show.

RACHEL RILEY AND PASHA KOVALEV (2013)

The glamorous Countdown presenter lasted until week six in the show while paired with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev. Her appearance on the show lasted longer than her relationship did after she was booted out. After splitting from and then divorcing her husband, she married her former dance partner and they are currently expecting a child together.

BEN COHEN AND KRISTINA RIHANOFF (2013)

The rugby played was forced to deny that he was having an extra marital affair with his dancing partner. But it wasn’t long before he’d split with his wife. He later revealed he was dating Kristina, and that they were expecting a child.

STACEY DOOLEY AND KEVIN CLIFTON (2018)

The journalist split with her boyfriend shortly after she and her dancing partner won the series. Her ex claimed that Clifton was the reason why, and soon after, the former dance partners began dating.

LOOKING FOR LOVE?

There are easier ways to find lasting love than to go on a reality TV show and learn to dance. Call Flame Introductions today to find out how our professional matchmakers can help you find that special person.

Author: Rebecca

Rebecca lives in London with her husband, daughter and dachshund. She hopes her dating blogs for Flame Introductions will inspire you to seek out the best London and UK locations for brilliant dates, and discover some tips along the way to help you find your perfect partner.